How to change when an Apple Watch returns to the watch face

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 4 October 2026

Device

Apple Watch

Shown on

watchOS 26 (Apple Watch)

App

Settings

Path

Settings › General › Return to Clock

Real screenshots

4 of 4 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Return to Clock is the setting for when the Apple Watch goes back to the watch face. The Settings page offers three choices and nothing else, so this guide rests on that screen. A longer time helps when you follow a recipe or a shopping list in an app.

The screenshots show watchOS 26.5 on an Apple Watch Series 11.

Step by step

1. 

   Open Settings on the watch

   Press the Digital Crown to see your apps and tap the Settings gear.

   Done

2. 

   Tap General

   General is the fourth row of Settings, below Control Center.

   Done

3. 

   Scroll down and tap Return to Clock

   It is below Background App Refresh.

   Done

4. 

   Choose a time

   There are three choices under Return to Clock: Always, After 2 minutes and After 1 hour. The tick shows the active one.

   Done

Good to know

You browse the Settings app on the watch by swiping up or down or by turning the Digital Crown.

In short: Settings, General, Return to Clock, choose a time.